de La Landriana

Chinotto is a bitter orange tree native to southern China. In the West, it is very popular in Italy, and its name refers to its Chinese origin. Its scientific name denotes the similarity of the leaves of the Chinotto to those of the common myrtle. The Landriana Chinotto was discovered in the Italian garden of the same name, designed by the landscape artist and painter Russell Page in the second half of the 20th century. It appears to be a mutation that gives the plant larger leaves than the common Chinotto, and its fruits ripen earlier.

Slow-growing and vertical shrub, but very productive, with a tendency to form terminal clusters of fruit. Large leaves among the chinottos, with a radial arrangement around the stem and short internode spacing. Small, round fruits that are flattened at the poles, yellow-orange when ripe but can reach a deep orange color. Tendency to show persistent style. Clustered fruits are smaller than those that set individually. The rind is thin and aromatic, although less so than in other chinottos. Juicy pulp, with a milder flavor than in other chinottos, with sweet notes and medium acidity. Variable seed content.

In Italy, it is used to make the drink called Chinotto, as a flavoring for Amari and in soft drinks. In Liguria (Italy), it is candied whole, being a highly valued dessert. It is also used to make jams.